Try this simulator and find out what your current power usage, as well as which appliances use the most electricity. www.nest.org.na.

Fridge/freezer

• Do not set freezing temp. lower than necessary
• Defrost at least twice a year
• Let hot foods cool before refrigeration
• Switch off when on an extended holiday

Microwave

• Use to cook small to medium portions. For larger portions, use an oven.
• Wrap foods in plastic to hold in steam.

Washing Machine

• Front loaders use less power than top loaders
• Use warm and cold-water settings
• Save dirty clothes until a full load has accumulated

Steam or dry iron

• Iron low temperature fabrics first
• Iron large batches at a time
• Use only distilled water in steam irons
• Switch off before finished and complete ironing with stored energy

Electric stove

• Use cooking utensils with flat bottoms and tight covers
• Keep oven doors closed until food is cooked
• Do not use grill compartment to make toast
• Plate reflectors must always be kept clean
• Never use to heat the kitchen

TV/DVD/Stereo

• Standby button consumes significant amounts of energy
• Switch these appliances off at the wall

Computer/Fax/Printer

• Never leave your computer, fax or printer on overnight
• Set the screensaver on your computer to come on after five minutes of non-use

Light bulb

• Always switch off lights when you leave a room
• Replace conventional lights with compact fluorescent or LED lights where possible (gives same light as 60-watt bulb while using a fifth of the power and lasts 10 times longer)

Kettle

• Only boil as much water as you need
• Keep your kettle's element clean of chlorine build-up by boiling vinegar

Cellphone

• Only recharge your cellphone's battery when it is completely drained
• Never leave your cellphone charging overnight
• When your cellphone is finished charging, unplug it